A Dream Come True for Stonewall FC
Stonewall FC, the UK’s pioneering gay men’s football team, is set to create history this week as they step onto the hallowed turf of Wembley Stadium for a league fixture. Founded in 1991, Stonewall FC has grown into the world’s most successful LGBT-inclusive football club, competing in the Middlesex County Football League Division One—12 tiers below the English Football League.
For players and staff, the opportunity to play at the national stadium remains surreal. “It hasn’t quite sunk in for me personally,” admits manager Eric Najib Armanazi in an exclusive interview with Mcw.
The Significance of the Match
This Friday’s fixture against Wilberforce Wanderers marks a milestone in football’s journey toward inclusivity. The match celebrates a groundbreaking partnership between the Football Association (FA) and Stonewall, the charity behind the Rainbow Laces campaign, which promotes LGBT equality in sports.
Armanazi reflects on the moment:
“Leading the team out at Wembley will be the proudest feeling of my career. This doesn’t happen without the FA, Stonewall, and the Middlesex County Football League. It’s been 28 years in the making for our club, and this is a testament to the progress we’ve made.”
Players’ Emotional Reactions
James Baker, a Stonewall FC player, shares his excitement:
“Just sitting in the same changing room where legends like Rooney and Neymar have been is mind-blowing. Walking out to see family and friends in that iconic setting will be emotional. It’s a mix of pride, nerves, and pure joy.”
Manager Eric Najib Armanazi expresses pride in Stonewall FC’s journey ahead of their Wembley debut.
The Bigger Picture: Football’s Push for Inclusion
This match isn’t just about football—it’s a statement. The Rainbow Laces campaign, active until December 6, highlights the sport’s ongoing commitment to LGBT inclusion. Mcw stands with TeamPride in supporting this initiative, amplifying stories that drive change.
Conclusion: A New Chapter for Stonewall FC
As Stonewall FC prepares to make non-league history at Wembley, their story serves as inspiration for clubs worldwide. This match symbolizes how far football has come—and how far it still can go—in embracing diversity.
Mcw celebrates this landmark moment and encourages fans to share their thoughts on LGBT inclusion in football. Let’s keep the conversation going!
Stonewall FC’s first team gears up for their historic Wembley appearance.
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